Ohio Sets New High For Coronavirus Cases; No Plans For Shutdown

COLUMBUS, OH — For the second straight day, Ohio has set a record for most COVID-19 cases confirmed in a day.

In the past 24 hours, 2,178 cases of COVID-19 have been discovered among Ohio residents. That's the most cases confirmed in a single day since the pandemic started.

On Wednesday, Ohio confirmed 2,039 new cases. That was a daily record.

"Our health commissioners tell us they are seeing less and less mask compliance when people are out and that people aren’t wearing masks when they are with friends and family," Gov. Mike DeWine said.

Despite the renewed surge of cases, DeWine said he has "no plans" to shut down the state economy again. He said more Ohioans are now more vulnerable than ever, because of how widespread the virus transmission is throughout the state.

Instead of instituting closures, DeWine hopes vigilant mask compliance and adherence to other health and safety guidelines will reverse the spread's momentum.

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"People are tired. They're sick of the virus. They want to get on with their lives and I get that," the governor said.

Since mid-September, Ohio's positivitity rate on COVID-19 tests has nearly doubled, DeWine said. This week, the state's positivity rate is now 5.4 percent. With more tests being conducted statewide, the governor believes coronavirus is spreading rapidly through the state.

DeWine said social gatherings have played a role in spurring a surge in new cases, including weddings, bonfires, and parties. The governor said "red" counties should consider canceling public events like art shows and pub crawls.

"These are not times to be complacent or comfortable. It is the time to be vigilant to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors," DeWine said.

Dr. David Margolius, division director of internal medicine at MetroHealth, said Ohioans can spend time with loved ones, but they must do so carefully. That means wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and meeting outside, whenever possible, he said.

"We do have to adjust to this new normal and that means spending time with each other safely," Margolius said.

Democrats echoed the medical establishment's and governor's call for compliance and cooperation.

“Our lack of working together has resulted in Ohio breaking the previous single day record of new coronavirus cases. The actions we take now and moving forward are vital to prevent the continual spread of the coronavirus here in Ohio. It is our responsibility as public officials to take decisive actions to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in our great state,” said state Rep. Stephanie Howse.

In addition to the surge in new cases, more Ohioans are being hospitalized due to COVID-19 illnesses. More than 60 percent of Ohioans now live in "red" counties, meaning areas where virus transmission is widespread, DeWine said Thursday.

Here are all of Thursday's COVID-19 numbers in Ohio:

• New cases: 2,178
• New deaths: 5
• New hospitalizations: 108
• New ICU admissions: 43

More reading:

• Ohio Hits New Coronavirus Case High
• Coronavirus Outbreak 'Likely' To Get Worse In Ohio, Governor Says
• Ohio Crosses Tragic Coronavirus Milestone